ISTANBUL

Iraq on Saturday formally requested the US to prevent Israeli aircraft from using Iraqi airspace to target Iran.

“Iraq has asked the United States to take its role in preventing Israeli aircraft from violating Iraqi airspace in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement,” the Iraqi News Agency reported, citing a government source.

The source stressed the importance of respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and the integrity of its airspace, adding that “the US, as the country leading the international coalition against ISIS, is obligated to uphold its responsibilities and prevent any violations that compromise Iraqi sovereignty or endanger its security.”

Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian territory, targeting nuclear and missile facilities early Friday, killing senior military figures and scientists.

The wave of attacks has continued and resulted in the deaths of at least 78 people with 320 others injured, according to figures earlier announced by Iran's UN envoy.